1999 Mercury Cougar vs. 1987 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Mercury Cougar is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 480 kg more than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Cougar | 1987 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
